High Schools | Eric Sondheimer

Dominguez's Academic Example

That's the message receiver-cornerback Richard Sherman of Compton Dominguez passes on to friends and teammates when they fail to do their homework or put off studying for a test.

There's authority in what Sherman says because he's on the verge of becoming the first football player from Dominguez in more than 20 years to achieve the academic and athletic credentials needed to receive a scholarship to Stanford.

The Dons have 12 players in the college ranks this season, including three at two-time defending national champion USC. But if Sherman is accepted at Stanford, "that would be great for our program," co-coach Keith Donerson said.

The Compton Unified School District hasn't been known for academic excellence. From 1993 to 2001, it was taken over by the state because of failing academics and financial situation.

With a 4.1 grade-point average and the kind of athleticism that enabled him to leap 49 feet 5 3/4 inches in the triple jump as a junior, Sherman is proof that academic and athletic success can be mastered at Dominguez.

He has been encouraging and cajoling others to join him.

"I'm trying my best to get them where I'm going, to the college level," he said. "I'm helping them study for the SAT. A lot of people come in blind in what they need to know, not knowing one day they could be a top college prospect."

Sherman said his parents were adamant that he pay attention to studying and learning.

"They stayed on me," he said. "They checked on my schoolwork, checked on my teachers, came to open house."

His mother, Beverly, added a little incentive. She paid him $5 for every A.

As a football player, 6-foot-3, 175-pound Sherman has big-play skills. Dominguez rarely passes, but when it does, Sherman comes through. He's averaging 33.4 yards per catch with 13 receptions for 435 yards and six touchdowns.